A list of 30 things I hope to accomplish before turning 30. — I turned 25 last week. And that’s really hard to believe. As I took some time for self-reflection at this point in my life and as I thought about my future plans, I decided to put together a list of 30 things to do before turning the big 3-0 that…

As Good Friday approaches, we look to a plain and simple call to discipleship that challenges us to take up our cross. — Spirituality is hardly ever a smooth ride, and personally, I struggle greatly when it comes to discipleship. However, I’m not a Christian because I’m strong and have it all together. I’m a Christian because I’m weak and admit I need a Savior. This reflection was originally published here.

The Battle to Save Immigrants from Deportation and Death — Each year, our nation observes Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in honor of the civil rights leader whose famous dream gave hope to so many other dreams in this country. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’” …

Curiosity. Amazement. Wonder. — Last week, I was fortunate enough to take part in Chicago Ideas Week for the second year in a row after initially being acquainted with the event through a personal mentor last year. Chicago Ideas Week touts itself as ‘An Ideas Platform for Everyone’ that brings together a broad spectrum…

[A lame excuse for running a marathon slower than expected] — This past Sunday I completed my first ever marathon as I took part in the 40th running of the Chicago Marathon alongside 45,000 of my closest friends. It was a grueling 26.2-mile battle between me and my own body, but I had an absolute blast in the process and I…

Becoming a neighbor to the marginalized — A few weeks ago I was riding on a public bus through the Austin neighborhood on Chicago’s West Side. The ride was just like any other, yet as I looked around at my fellow passengers I suddenly realized that I was in the minority. I found myself surrounded by individuals…

Remember that question we were always asked as kids… What do you want to be when you grow up? And do you remember when everyone raised their hands and said that they wanted to work in insurance? Yeah, well neither do I. …

A simple tribute to love & joy — On the eve of their 50th wedding anniversary, my grandpa Harry recited an elegant toast to my grandma Helen. It was a sincere toast to love, optimism, and grace. On February 13th — at the age of 88 — my grandma went to join my grandpa in Heaven. Following her…

Spirituality is hardly ever a smooth ride and it’s scarcely a linear progression. Quite honestly, it generally consists of one beautiful, glamorous, and ravishing MESS. My journey has been no exception. If your journey has been anything like mine, you’ve seen that throughout our faith lives, many of us become…